| Danial Norjidi |
THE implementation of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Innovative Design initiative in schools is the starting point to establish a STEM-literate society.
This was said by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education while delivering a speech at the closing ceremony of the second National STEM and Innovative Design Challenge yesterday.
He highlighted that the implementation of the STEM and Innovative Design initiative in schools would help establish a society that is able to understand the basics of STEM and apply that knowledge to understand the world around.
“Additionally, it will help our communities to use the latest technology as well as mathematical and scientific principles in everyday life, particularly for communication, making things easier and problem-solving,” he said, adding that the programme is also the starting point and best platform to drive transformation in our country.
“I believe that through this programme we will be able to produce our own prototypes of local innovation that will boast our abilities to create ideas to develop the country’s economy.
“This will happen if a culture of innovation and creativity can be implemented in a planned and sustained way so that the result is long-lasting and effective,” he said.
In his speech, the minister asserted that the government puts great priority on the education of Brunei’s citizens.
“Various initiatives that are planned and carried out at all levels of education are geared towards strengthening the potential of each student,” he said. “Preparing a strong curriculum, teachers of high quality and adequate infrastructure are among the main factors in ensuring our success in educating our students to be people who are successful according to their respective potential.”
Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, delivering his speech. – DANIAL NORJIDI
This, he said, includes students who are inclined and possess a high proficiency in the subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“The Ministry of Education (MoE) has made initiatives to upgrade the Design and Technology subject and other technical subjects such as Business, Art and Technology (BAT) by introducing the ‘Enhancement of Design and Technology and Other Technology Subjects for Government Secondary Schools and Vocational and Technical Institutions’, to polish the element of technology and innovation among the young generation.”
The STEM and Innovative Design Challenge presses on the concept of informal studies through approaches such as science, engineering, mathematics and innovation design and technology activities in a “hands on and minds on” way, he noted.
He said that this will give positive exposure and experience in the aforementioned fields. It is hoped to attract the interest of students to participate in these fields as a future option.
This goal is in line with the policy of the MoE to cultivate students’ interest in these fields towards the realisation of Vision 2035: to have people that are educated, highly skilled and successful measured by the highest international standards, he added.
The minister also noted that the Global Competitiveness Report 2013-2014 placed Brunei as the 26th most competitive out of 148 countries, a rise of two places from the previous year.
“That good achievement should convince us that we are capable of achieving and strengthening the country’s position in the Global Innovation Index and will certainly repeat the success again.”
Touching on the role of MoE, he said, “What is required is that the Ministry of Education, as the planner and implementer of education, must ensure the preparation of continuous education and practical work training and retraining of skills to the beneficiaries of the future, namely our students.”
The post STEM implementation seen to promote knowledgeable society appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.